Walcha Handmade is a community co-operative funded by memberships, commission on sales, fee paying workshops and the use of studio space by individuals and groups.

“We are hoping to run at least one workshop or class each month for adults and children,” said co-ordinator Emma McLaren.

“To date we have had a few locals volunteer to run workshops and share their knowledge, which is great.”

The co-operative hopes to complement the existing craft shop and increase the locally made range of goods available in town.

“We will not be stocking craft supplies and while we will have a retail outlet, our focus is really on the collaborative studio space and the workshops,” Emma said.

“We are hoping that many of the experienced crafters who sell through the craft shop will pass on their extensive knowledge through workshops.”

The studio space can be used by either individuals or groups to meet and create.

Walcha Handmade will stock only handmade wares, no shop lines or pre-purchased products. 

The founding members of Leanne Natty, Megan Scrivener and Emma McLaren hope to have the shop and children’s craft corner ready for business by the September school holidays.

“We may even have the studio ready by then too,” said Emma.

Everyone is invited to join the co-operative.

Membership is available as a full member, part member or friend of the collective.

“You don’t have to be selling something to be involved,” said Emma.

“We want this to be a space that everyone in the community who has an interest in craft and handmade things can be a part of.”